Save the Family Participates in 2025 Arizona Housing Forum

In August, Save the Family joined housing leaders, policymakers, and advocates from across the state at the annual Arizona Housing Forum, hosted by the ASU Morrison Institute. With the theme “The Future of Housing: A New Frontier,” the event highlighted both the progress and urgent challenges facing Arizona’s housing landscape.

From exploring federal legislative updates to discussions on how stable housing supports mental health, the forum provided critical insights and valuable opportunities to connect with partners who share our mission. It was also a chance to share excitement about the upcoming Phoenix Scholar House, a project that will bring hope and stability to student families in need.

The data shared at the forum underscored why Save the Family’s work is more important than ever:

• Rental Housing Challenges: Rental housing in Arizona is under significant pressure, with rising costs and increasing eviction rates. ​
  • In 2024, 54% of renters were cost burdened, spending 30% or more of their income on rent.
  • Eviction filings reached a record high of 106,587 in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
  • Only 37 affordable and available homes exist for every 100 households earning 50% or less of the area median income.
• Homelessness and Supportive Housing:Homelessness in Arizona has reached alarming levels, with a notable increase in families and youth experiencing homelessness
  • Families with children now represent 21% of the homeless population, a 15% increase from the previous year.
  • There has been a 24% rise in unaccompanied homeless youth since 2017.
• Challenges in Rental Housing Affordability: Despite an increase in rental housing availability, affordability remains a significant issue for many renters in Arizona.
  • 54% of Arizona renters are cost burdened, spending more than 30% of their income on housing.
  • Median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,417, requiring a wage of $32.70 per hour to afford—while minimum wage workers would need to work 76 hours per week to afford it.